Archons x male reader
Candle lights flicker, rain drops onto the ground.
7 souls captured in the heart of darkness.
The candle, extinguished.
Credit to the artist who drew the art in the story cover.
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Y/n sat on the grassy hillside with Nahida beside him, the two of them taking a quiet moment as they waited for the other archons to return. The air was warm, a welcome change from the endless snow they had left behind, and the sky above was a soft blue, dotted with the occasional drifting cloud. It had been a long journey so far, but they were finally close to the border of the new country. The others had gone ahead to scout out the area, leaving Y/n and Nahida to rest.
As they sat there, Y/n absentmindedly wove together some of the wildflowers that grew nearby, his fingers nimble as he twisted the stems into a small crown. Nahida, sitting with her legs tucked under her, watched him curiously, her bright eyes following the movements of his hands.
"You're so patient," she said, her voice soft and filled with admiration. "You always make beautiful things."
Y/n smiled, glancing at her as he finished tying the last flower into place. "I like to keep my hands busy, especially when we have to wait. Plus, it helps me relax." He held up the completed crown, inspecting it for a moment before gently placing it on Nahida’s head. "There. It suits you."
Nahida blinked in surprise, her small hands reaching up to touch the flower crown resting on her head. Her expression brightened instantly, a soft giggle escaping her lips. "You made this for me?" she asked, her voice full of warmth and joy.
"Of course," Y/n replied, smiling as he sat back. "I thought you'd like it."
Without warning, Nahida leaned forward and wrapped her arms around Y/n, hugging him tightly. Her small body pressed against him, and for a moment, Y/n was caught off guard by the sudden affection. But he quickly returned the embrace, his arms wrapping around her gently.
"Thank you," Nahida whispered, her voice muffled against his chest. "You always make me feel so loved."
Y/n’s heart softened at her words, and he rested his chin lightly on top of her head, careful not to disturb the flower crown. "You’re important to me, Nahida. I’m glad I can make you happy."
In Nahida’s mind, as she clung to Y/n, her feelings were a whirlwind of love and fierce protectiveness. To her, Y/n wasn’t just a caretaker or a friend. He was everything—a father, a mother, a source of comfort and warmth she had never known. She didn’t need anyone else, not as long as Y/n was by her side. She would do anything for him. Anything.
She pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a soft but intense gaze. "I’d do anything for you, Y/n," she said quietly. "You’re like… both my father and my mother to me. I’d protect you no matter what."
Y/n chuckled softly, touched by her devotion. He ruffled her hair gently, careful not to mess up the flower crown. "You don’t have to worry about me, Nahida. I’ve got all of you looking out for me. But thank you. That means a lot."
Nahida nodded, her grip on him tightening just slightly. In her mind, there was no question. She would protect Y/n, no matter the cost. If anyone ever threatened him, she wouldn’t hesitate to act. The thought of someone trying to harm him sent a shiver of anger through her, though she quickly pushed it away, not wanting to spoil the peaceful moment.
